RYA Level 1 – Start Sailing – Getting Afloat – 2 Day Course

Knowledge Level and Previous Experience: None Required

This 2 day course will introduce you to sailing and go through the basics of handling a yacht with some simple theory and useful techniques.

Rigging

Learn wind awareness, Knowledge of spars and rigging, parts of the sail, sail controls and winches.

Ropework

Can tie figure of eight knot, round turn and two half hitches, and secure use of cleats

Sailing Techniques

Practical manoeuvres such as – reaching, sailing across the wind; stopping – lying-to. Controlling speed. Tacking – turning the bow of the boat through the wind and sailing upwind. Sailing downwind using controlled gybes – turning the back of the boat through the wind.

Man Overboard Recovery

Understand the action to be taken to recover a man overboard. Clothing and equipment. Understand the use of safety harnesses and lifejacket.

Emergency Equipment & Precautions

Awareness of potential hazards, gas and fuel; use and stowage of fire extinguishers.

Clothing & Equipment

Meteorology

Has awareness of onshore and offshore winds; know sources of weather information.

RYA Level 2 – Basic Skills – Foundation Techniques – 2/3 Day Course

Knowledge Level and Previous Experience To Level 1 Standard

Sometimes combined with Level 1 into a 5-day course; to complement your previous experience. On successful completion you will be able to confidently take charge of a yacht in lighter wind conditions.

Rigging

Understand how to rig a cruising yacht according to prevailing weather conditions.

Ropework

Can tie a bowline, clove hitch, reef knot, rolling hitch, sheet bend.

Sailing Techniques

Have a practical understanding of the “4 Essentials”, sail setting, sail trim, balance, course made good. Leaving and returning to a jetty or mooring. Coming alongside a moored boat. Understand the Collision Regulations. Aware of lee shore dangers, sailing in close company with others and man overboard recover under sail.

Able to reef whilst sailing. Can use winches. Can use engine controls in starting, stopping, running procedures and visual engine checks.

Sailing Background

Have a knowledge of:

Points of sailing – close hauled, close reach, beam reach, broad reach, run, no go zone.
How a sail works – basic aerodynamic theory.
Sea sailing – basic advice for inland sailors including taking local advice, tide tables, tidal sequence of springs and neaps, ebb and flow.
Effects of wind conditions and tidal flow on sailing conditions. Speed over the ground. Estuaries and harbour mouths – conditions and hazards.
Inland sailing – basic advice including local bylaws, permits, locks and weirs. Have an understanding of tidal sequences, SOG, the effect of wind direction and tidal flow on sailing conditions. Local information and advice for sea sailors. Dangers of hypothermia and the importance of first aid training, particularly cardio pulmonary resuscitation.

Meteorology

Know sources of weather and shipping forecasts and when to reef. Understand the Beaufort wind scale.

Clothing & Equipment

Knows the importance of personal safety, clothing and buoyancy, boat buoyancy and basic equipment, including anchor and bilge pumps.

Emergency Equipment

Knows the importance of first aid kit and flares including stowage. Visual methods of attracting attention. Action to help those in distress.